Back in 2007, I wrote my best friend, Annie, a poem for her graduation. She was transitioning into college and hesitant about entering a completely new phase in her life. I wanted to express to her my deepest passion for her heart and assure her that I would always love her and that God would always guide her. This poem was written long before anything happened to my daddy and long before my car accident. It was simply written to inspire strength in a friend. Now, 4 years later, I stumbled across this poem and trembled when I read it. The strength it had once provided my friend, it now provides me. It amazes me how different all of our circumstances and conditions may be, but what similar emotions we all share. God is so beautiful.
“Break Free Little Girl”
It makes so much sense to want to run,
to flee from the shackles and sprint towards the sun.
It makes so much sense to attempt to fly,
though conformity grounds us each time we try.
It makes so much sense to duck and hide,
serenity and solitude appeal side by side.
It makes so much sense to shed all our tears,
but you can’t if you’re drowned in judgmental sneers.
Break free little girl,
and sprint towards the sun.
Strap on your wings,
and take off with a run.
Dip through the darkness,
and find your own place.
Let your sewn-up tears,
pour down your face.
Let your running and flying
break through the chains.
Let your lovely emotions
cut through the pain.
Let your hair wisp sharply
and laugh, little girl.
Do a dance of liberation
your canvas—the world.
So paint your own future,
determine your fate.
Cut your own path,
and lose your way.
Then find yourself again,
when you know you aren’t lost.
And hold your head high,
no matter the cost.
Break free little girl,
and dance for the moon.
As it gazes upon you,
and shadows the gloom.
Sing a song of triumph,
in your darkest day.
Since you know, little girl
that you found your own way.
Now you stand at a crossroad,
with two paths at hand.
One a life of selflessness,
certainty, and plan.
The other a winding
trail of ambiguity,
with inhibition trodden on
beside dependency.
Along the path you choose
lies another divide,
Two courses you may take
to the friends you may find.
One a path of integrity,
faithfulness, and trust.
The other of obstruction,
deceit, and lust.
Break free little girl
and travel these paths.
If you find you’re misguided,
turn around and backtrack.
Slash the shrubs that hinder
your journey’s progress,
and pave the course you choose
with loud confidence.
Live your life to the fullest
and hold your friends near.
Cherish your family,
for whom you owe all your years.
Let your eyes gleam with pride
that swells from your soul,
And embrace all the love
that your heart soon shall dole.
When faced with adversity,
run little girl.
To your deepest of thoughts
in your very own world.
Knead your faith for the answers
to life’s hardest angst,
and hold dear to the morals
you have leaned strong against.
Stand high on your platform
of character and will.
Think always with your soul,
for your ego gasps ill.
Remain humble and retire
to your childish awe.
Find excitement and passion
in everything small.
Break free little girl
and dance for the moon.
As it gazes upon you,
and shadows the gloom.
Sing a song of triumph,
in your darkest day.
Since you know, little girl
you will pave your own way.
–Mo Isom, 2007
